Queen of the Lycan - Karina Espinosa (bill gates book recommendations .TXT) 📗

Alexander stepped aside for the newcomer, I saw a dark-haired man. He took a knee and put his fisted hand over his heart.

“Rise,” I said, not recognizing him. He didn’t have a Scottish accent, which meant he wasn’t local.

He stood and approached my throne, standing beside Alexander, who I noticed bristled and tensed at the sight of him.

“My name is Lucas. I’m the leader of the European Summit.” He offered me a hand.

I placed my hand in his and he kissed the back of it. Lucas is young; I would place him around Bash’s age, which meant he was in his thirties. He had black hair as dark as night, but his eyes were like bright emeralds glittering against his olive skin. He was long and lean where Bash was bulky and muscular, but he looked strong, especially from the firm grip he maintained on my hand. Since he was part of the Summit, it meant he’s a Lycan. An Alpha, no less. I couldn’t pinpoint his accent, though. It wasn’t British, that was for sure.

“A pleasure, I’m sure.” I snatched my hand back. “And where might you be from, Lucas?”

“Italia.” He smirked proudly as if he thought I would be impressed. Did all Europeans think Americans found Europe to be super fascinating and exotic? I wanted to roll my eyes but Alexander’s stern look stopped me.

So Lucas was from Italy. But that wasn’t the most interesting part in his little greeting. What I found interesting was that there were wolves in Italy. Now that little tidbit was mind-blowing.

“The European Summit looks forward to working side by side with Your Majesty,” Lucas declared. “We’re all very impressed by you and your capabilities. I mean, I’ll never forget your fight with the Wendigo.” He chuckled at the memory.

I gave a tight smile. Contrary to popular belief, that wasn’t exactly a fond memory of mine. I mean, I nearly died. “Right,” I murmured carefully and observed Lucas.

“If you remember her trial, then you know how ruthless she can be,” Bash growled.

Instead of overreacting like I usually did, I decided to analyze my enemy – because that was what he was. I already knew what the Summits and Council were planning. Alexander told me months ago, and we were as prepared as we could be. I knew they wanted Alexander out and me on the throne because they thought they could easily get rid of me and finally eliminate the MacCoinnich line from the throne. I had no clue who they planned to supplant us with, but it didn’t matter because it wasn’t going to happen. Not only did they have me to deal with, but Fenrir was after the crown as well.

Funny how everything boiled down to a fight for the throne. A regular battle royale. Everyone wanted to come out on top and they thought the MacCoinnichs would just lay down and take it. Little did they know what we had in store for them. I might not have known politics, but I was a scrappy little thing who wouldn’t go down without a fight.

I fought dirty and would take them all down with me when I went.

Lucas seemed like the conniving type. With the way he looked at me, I could tell he was grossly overconfident. Seeing me in action during that Wendigo fight didn’t sway him in the slightest. Whatever he had up his sleeve, he was one-hundred percent sure it would work. I could see it in his sparkling viridian eyes that held more than a note of mischief. All I could do now was let it play out … and put as many kinks in their plans as we went. Day one of my reign would be interesting … they just didn’t know it yet.

“Could I possibly trouble you with a request, Your Majesty?” Lucas simpered, placing a perfectly manicured hand to his chest.

I raised a brow, unimpressed. “Oh?”

Lucas smiled innocently. “The Summit would like to meet with you while we’re here in preparation for your mating ceremony. We’d like to discuss the future of the Lycan.”

I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes. “I’m sure you do,” I muttered, though I was sure he heard my meaning loud and clear. “Contact Ranulf and set up a meeting.”

“Wonderful!” Lucas clapped his hands together. “Once again, I look forward to working with you, Your Majesty.”

“Likewise,” I replied slyly, to which he jerked back a little in surprise, making Bash chuckle.

Suddenly, there was a commotion outside the ballroom doors that was loud enough to attract our attention. Lucas and I tore our attention away from our staring contest and glanced at the top of the grand staircase to the closed doors. Seconds later, they burst open with enough force to knock dents in the walls, followed by the bodies of two guards being tossed down the stairs.

“Protect the Queen!” Ranulf yelled from somewhere in the crowd. I tensed in my seat for a moment before bolting to my feet and trying to get a better view. Bash stood beside me and gripped my hand.

Gasps echoed throughout the ballroom and guards who were scattered throughout the mass of people rushed to surround me and meet the incoming threat.

Unfortunately, I didn’t need a better view. I could easily see what was happening from my throne. Fenrir stood at the top of the stairs with a couple Valkyries poised behind him. He looked smashing in a tuxedo, dressed to impress for the occasion. The Valkyries were wearing their battle armor, which was a sight to behold. Each warrior wore glinting breastplates, gilded skirts, and brilliant boots that reached to their knees.

A surprised hush fell over the ballroom and the musicians stopped with a screech of violin strings as everyone stared, transfixed at the spectacle unfolding before them.

The first thing that flitted through my head was, The nerve of this asshole to show up the day of my coronation! Quickly followed by, How did he even get into the castle?

“I’m assuming my invitation